‘The time is right for me to step away’: Declan Devine leaves his role as Glentoran manager via mutual consent

It brings an end to his two-and-a-half year stay at The Oval after he was appointed in March 2024.

A former player with Glentoran, Devine lifted silverware with victory in the Co Antrim Shield, as well as two near misses in the BetMcLean Cup final. He also guided the east Belfast side back into European football.

However, the Glentoran faithful booed his side off the pitch during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Bangor, with owner Ali Pour watching on from the stands.

Speaking about Devine’s departure, Pour said: “Declan has poured his heart and soul into Glentoran and I want to place on record my sincere appreciation for everything he has given to this football club.

“We have shared many conversations about our ambition to bring sustained success back to Glentoran and I have never doubted his commitment to achieving that.

“Declan has always been honest with me and, following considerable reflection and discussions over recent days, we agreed that the time was right for a change. I know how difficult those conversations have been and I have enormous respect for the way Declan has handled them.

“Our ambitions remain clear. We have invested significantly in the playing squad and our football operation because we expect Glentoran to compete consistently for the biggest honours. The start to this season has fallen below those expectations and the standards required at this Club. Our expectations will not change.

“Declan leaves with my gratitude and enormous respect. He is a man of great integrity who has given everything to Glentoran and I have valued enormously the relationship we have built during his time as manager. I wish Declan and his family every success for the future."

In a farewell statement, Devine commented: “Managing Glentoran has been a tremendous honour. I returned with one ambition and that was to bring success back to this Club. I have given everything to trying to achieve that.

“After a great deal of reflection and conversations with Ali, we agreed that the time is right for me to step away and for someone else to take the Club forward.

“I would have loved to have achieved more, but I am proud of what we have built over the past two and a half years. There were incredibly fine margins, with two BetMcLean Cup finals decided after extra time and a league challenge last season that went to the final day. Ultimately, we fell short and nobody is more disappointed about that than me.

“I believe there are strong foundations in place, both on and off the pitch, for the next manager to build upon and take the Club forward.

“I want to thank Ali and Paul (Millar, sporting director) for their trust and support. They have invested a huge amount of time, energy and resources into moving Glentoran forward and I know how determined they are to deliver the success this Club deserves.

“I also want to thank the Board, Tim (McCann, coach), Elliott (Morris, goalkeeper coach) and all of the coaching, medical and backroom staff, as well as the staff and volunteers who give so much to Glentoran.

“A special thank you to Paddy (McCourt, assistant manager). We have travelled from Donegal together every day and his loyalty, support and friendship have meant a great deal to me.

“To the supporters, thank you. I understand your expectations because I know what this Club means to you. You want Glentoran to compete, to win and to be successful, and I leave wanting exactly the same thing.

“I hope you will get behind the players and the new manager and help them deliver the success this Club deserves.

“I am immensely proud to have represented Glentoran as both a player and manager. This Club will always mean a great deal to me and I leave wanting nothing more than to see Glentoran succeed.”

Glentoran say Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann will assume responsibility for first-team affairs – starting with tomorrow night’s visit of Coleraine – as they begin the process of appointing a new manager.